Research Associate - Comparative genomics and bioinformatics (Fixed Term)

We are seeking an ambitious and talented postdoctoral research associate to join our team at the CRUK Cambridge Institute (part of the University of Cambridge) to use comparative genomics to study the role of codon usage bias in gene regulation. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to our goal of understanding gene regulation and genome organisation on an evolutionary timescale.

You will be part of a small team, led by Dr Susanne Bornelöv, which studies gene regulation using various approaches including machine learning, evolutionary genomics, and sequencing bioinformatics. Our team is funded by an 8-year Wellcome Career Development Award (https://wellcome.org/grant-funding/people-and-projects/grants-awarded/data-driven-methods-unravel-hidden-layers-genome ).

Your project will use comparative genomics and transcriptomics to investigate the role of codon usage in gene regulation. You will lead the generation and analysis of sequencing data and carry out downstream bioinformatic analyses across a phylogeny of fruit flies. The ultimate goal is to understand how mRNA sequence contribute to mRNA stability and protein output, and how this shapes the genome over evolutionary time.

The project may involve generating and analysing high-throughput sequencing libraries, such as RNA-seq, ribosome profiling, and/or tRNA-seq. You will combine your data with a large pool of data already collated by our team. The ideal candidate should have a clear interest for computational approaches, although their primary training may be in molecular biology or biochemistry. If you have solid laboratory skills and want to develop your computational skills further, this is a fantastic opportunity. You will learn to analyse these unique data resources and learn cutting-edge bioinformatics methods. Applicants should have a PhD (or be about to receive one) in a relevant discipline, as well as a strong desire to be part of a team aimed at uncovering fundamental aspects of gene regulation and genome evolution.

As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to contribute your own ideas to ongoing research activities and undertake independent research in the context of the general research area of the group. You will have an exciting opportunity to develop your scientific skills and make a significant contribution to the field of comparative genomics.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.

For up-to-date information about the research group, including our most recent publications, please see our website: www.sblab.uk . Please direct any informal enquiries to Dr Susanne Bornelöv ([email protected] ).

Please quote reference SW41827 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The closing date for applications is Friday 21st June. The starting date is flexible, but we would ideally see the candidate start as soon as possible.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please send applications in the following format: a CV, a cover letter, and the names and contact details of two academic referees. The cover letter should outline why you are applying for this role and how you match the criteria for the post (see Further Particulars).

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38, £32,982) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of their PhD award.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a security check.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Further information
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